Jeep Wrangler TJ Evo Rocker Guards - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

1997 2006 Jeep Wrangler Tj Rocker Armor Side Bolt On

Whether you're building your '97-'06 Jeep Wrangler TJ for hardcore rock crawling, light trail wheeling, or weekend cruises through the mall parking lot, it's important to keep the center of gravity low. This increases stability in off-camber situations and creates a safer and more controlled vehicle both on and off road.

One of the long-standing drawbacks of maintaining a low stance with the '97-'06 Wrangler is the long and low rocker panels.

With the rockers made of nothing more than light-duty sheetmetal, it doesn't take much to damage them off road. Couple this with their low clearance and straight-edge design, and they become an easy-to-damage and major hangup point when crawling over obstacles.

To address this clearance and strength issue, EVO Manufacturing has developed a new high-clearance rocker armor kit it calls Boatside Bombers. What makes this kit unique is that the 3/16-inch-plate bolt-on armor not only strengthens the rockers and protects the Jeep's tub, but also converts the factory rocker panel lines of the '97-'06 TJ into a sleek and sloped design.

In addition to netting more ground clearance than conventional rocker protection, the Boatside's sloped shape allows the TJ to slide over obstacles more easily. The kit does require a modest amount of cutting and drilling but is an easy driveway install and doesn't require any special tools or welding.

For more info on the Boatside Bomber and web-exclusive photos of our install, check out 4wheeloffroad.com.

1997 2006 Jeep Wrangler Tj Rocker Armor Exterior Plate

Raising The Bar
For the ultimate in high clearance and low center of gravity you can combine the EVO Boatside Bomber kit with the company's highline fender system. Since our '97 Wrangler was fitted with both we were able to squeeze on 42-inch tires under the Jeep with only 3 1/2-inch suspension and 1-inch body lifts! There is also an exterior high-clearance slider option for those looking for that extra bit of protection and a helpful step in.

With the carpet rolled back and the front seats removed, we used a cutoff wheel to eliminate the Wrangler's factory rocker panels. Those of you with aftermarket fenders, don't fret, as the EVO armor is designed to work with both factory and aftermarket fenders.
With the carpet rolled back and the front seats removed, we used a cutoff wheel to elimina
The sheetmetal trimming for both the interior brace and exterior one-piece rocker only takes an hour or so per side and is extremely easy and straightforward. Our '97 Wrangler is equipped with the EVO highline fender kit, so we saved a little time since our front fenders were already raised and didn't need to be trimmed.
The sheetmetal trimming for both the interior brace and exterior one-piece rocker only tak
We used a few C-clamps to lock the armor in place and then bolted the floor panels together. Once the armor is fitted you can begin drilling out the mounting holes.
We used a few C-clamps to lock the armor in place and then bolted the floor panels togethe

To secure the EVO armor to the outside of the body we used the provided countersunk hardware and attached the 3/16-inch plate. The armor is available in a black powdercoat finish or bare steel. We opted for the bare steel since our TJ is up for a paintjob soon.
To secure the EVO armor to the outside of the body we used the provided countersunk hardwa
The inside panel comprises a form-fit 3/16-inch plate that is through-bolted from both the bottom and sides of the Jeep. Once you tighten all the hardware down, EVO suggests running a light bead of seam sealer around the interior plate.
The inside panel comprises a form-fit 3/16-inch plate that is through-bolted from both the